Emma Stone, a natural blonde, looks just as fabulous if not more so as a stunning redhead. (image credit: Google Images)

Looking for a drastic hair color change? Before you hit up the color-bar at your favorite salon, be sure to have a thorough consultation with your colorist and consider the following:

1) Your Skin Tone / Eye Color

I’m a strong believer that your hair should always compliment and enhance your natural features. With that being said, it’s important to understand which colors will bring out your favorite features, while simultaneously camouflaging your least favorite ones. For example, those who have green eyes with golden flecks are generally great candidates for vibrant red hair color. Prime examples of fierce redheads would be Emma Stone for medium to fair warm skin tones, and Sharon Osbourne for cooler, fairer skin tones. If you’re worried about fine lines, wrinkles and under eye circles, avoid very dark, ashy colors as those tend to draw attention to shadows and lines in one’s face. Instead, opt for a lighter chocolate brown, or richen up dark locks with warm caramel face-framing highlights.

2) Makeup & Wardrobe

If you’re going for a major hair color overhaul, chances are you’re going to need to stock up on some new makeup colors as well. A general rule of thumb is: The lighter the hair color, the lighter the makeup; the darker the hair color, the darker and more dramatic the makeup – in particular, the lip color. Many other factors go into finding the perfect makeup/hair/personality combo so often times I will refer my salon guests to an on-staff makeup artist following their hair transformation.

Just as you wouldn’t want your makeup to clash with your newly colored coif, you also want to keep your wardrobe in mind. If you’ve recently added jewel-toned violet accent pieces, avoid wearing a violet top which can make your accent pieces look dull or “off” in some way.

3) Your Emotional Status

If you just broke up with your significant other, lost your job, or if you are really, really angry, sad or upset in any way, STOP. THE. BUS. Permanently changing your look while in a temporary state on mind can be bad news bears. If you’ve already pinned photos of your new desired look, don’t delete them. Just save them for another day when you’ve had time to cool off and feel like your normal self again. Reexamine your pins later and see if that is still a look you want to go for.

4) How Healthy is Your Hair?

Healthy, virgin hair is every colorist’s “dream canvas”. But of course, most of us are well aware that virgin-haired clients are hard to come by these days and that most people have some sort of chemical baggage in their strands whether it’s just a few face-framing highlights, an all-over color, chemical waving, or everything in the book. What is already present in your hair can greatly affect the results of your next color job. So be honest with your colorist. It’s important for us to know the chemical history of your hair and decipher how many layers of color we need to go through and what type of old color (even if was a year and a half ago) is hidden underneath your current color. A good colorist will be able let you know if your strands are healthy enough to get you to your desired look, as well as offer alternative solutions if your hair’s current state won’t allow it.

5) Commitment and Maintenance

Will it take multiple appointments to achieve the results I want? Will it need to be toned and how often? How many appointments will it take to get me there? What are my long-term hair goals (ex.: Are you getting married next year and need your hair to look a certain way by that date?)? How often do I need to visit the salon to maintain this color? What products do I need to maintain it at home? These are all questions you should be asking yourself before any major color change. Sure, Gwen Stefani’s fierce platinum-blonde may sound like great plan, but only if you are aware that you’ll need to get your regrowth touched up at the salon every three to four weeks, tone it once a week, and since lightening one’s hair to platinum-blonde is generally more aggressive on the hair, expect to invest lots of money into conditioning treatments and masques to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy, and not to mention a GOOD HAIRCUT is an absolute must (i.e.: I hope you’re not attached to your length unless you’re looking into installing hair extensions.). On the exact opposite end of the maintenance spectrum, balayage or ombré highlights require very minimal, if any maintenance. Many balayage clients can go 6-12 months between touchups. So be very sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before any major color change.

6) Shock Value

You’re going for a change. Which means you’re going to look different. Which means people will notice. This is an obvious one but so often overlooked. Just remember to mentally prepare yourself for this. Prepare yourself not only to do a double take every time you walk by a mirror, but to get an “OMG your hair!!!” from just about every single colleague, friend or family member you run into for the next few weeks. Prepare yourself to get all sorts of feedback whether it’s asked for or not. If you have a super opinionated grandma, prepare yourself for her reaction; whatever it may be (hopefully good!). If you have small children, mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that they might freak out when mommy comes home looking almost unrecognizable. If they don’t freak out, that’s great! But if they do, just know it’s normal and don’t let it hurt your feelings. Rest assured, no matter what type of reactions you get (and you will get reactions), many will come to love the new you soon enough – including those freaked-out small children =) .

If you’ve done your homework on your desired new ‘do and feel confident with your colorist, then go right ahead and enjoy your glamorous transformation! After all, our hairstyle is that one accessory we wear every single day so why not switch it up every once in a while?

Wishing good hair days to all,

Emily Chen

Follow me on Instagram: @EmChenDesign

P.S. For more professional beauty and wellness tips, please “like” Allora Salon and Spa on Facebook:

Looking for some “trend-spiration”? Here are three of my favorite hair trends for Fall/Winter 2013:

Androgyny

Pixies, undercuts, pompadours, deep side parts, and one of my favs (although non hair-related): menswear-inspired women’s shoes. Gender lines are blurred in this up and coming fashion trend. It’s defiant, yet seductive. And if you look closely, you might even catch a tiny glimpse of the 90′s… *tiny*. It’s the perfect balance of strong, masculine angles (think: crisp collars and jaw-line flaunting pixie cuts) and soft, sultry femininity (think: sparkly accessories, bold lipstick, and don’t forget to dress up those eyes with a Tyra “smize”).

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Polished Gatsby

“Polished Gatsby” has dominated the red carpet throughout 2013 bringing back a strong 20′s – 40′s influence. And although it may already be half-way over, I am still loving this elegant trend. In contrast to the “Androgyny” trend, “Polished Gatsby” clearly defines and embraces “ladies” and “gentleman” as separate, but romantic entities. Polished finger waves, perfectly placed pin curls, pearls, lace, and all things glamourous play a huge role in this trend. This look is perfect for a holiday party or black tie event.

Personally, I think this trend has played a particularly influential role in men’s fashion this year. Gone are the days when parents would have to drag their pre-teen sons kicking and screaming to the hair salon for a well-overdue haircut. The long-haired “Justin Bieber thing” (as in the iconic “Bieber-cut” from the “Baby, Baby,Baby” days) is on it’s way out, and the well-groomed, polished gentleman-esque look is quickly gaining in popularity. One might even say that men’s hair fashion “went from Justin Bieber to Justin Timberlake”. So parents of teenage sons, rejoice!

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Mod

I remember it was just about a year ago when our Creative Director at Thermafuse Elan Mcdowell told me that “the 60′s were coming back” during a training weekend in North Carolina. After that, every time one of my salon guests asked me “Hey, what’s in style right now?” I would respond with “Well, there’s an up and coming trend featuring a modern take on 60′s fashion”, to which I would recieve some skeptical looks. And to be honest, I was a tad skeptical myself. Every time I tried to picture it, my mind immediately went to Austin Powers prowling the catwalk… Nope not happening.

WELL, low and behold a year later, it is indeed a mod, mod world out there. Just check out Gwen Stefani’s latest OPI campaign or Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring 2014 collection showcased at the Mercedes-Benze Fashion Week this past September. Mod is everywhere and growing by the day. What does that mean? Black and white contrast… peplum everything… stripes… checkerboard patterns… bold colored accents like yellow or pink, and other things that would make Jackie O proud. So… what does that mean for hair? Think big, voluptuous, coifs, geometric bobs, and heavy fringes. There also seems to be a growing trend in pixie hair cuts… quite reminiscent of Edie Sedgwick’s iconic crop, I must say.

~

Wishing you all good and trendy hair days this holiday season,

Emily Chen

P.S. For more professional beauty and wellness tips, please “like” Allora Salon and Spa on Facebook:

I usually blog about hairstyling tips, tricks and advice, but I’m switching it up today. Instead of my usual blogging M.O., I’m going to blog about a recent experience that has left me with this permanent grin on my face for the last seven days or so Please just bear with me here… and don’t worry, hairstyling tips, tricks and advice will be back for the next post – promise!

Last week I had the honor of presenting on behalf of Thermafuse as one of four guest artists featured in the Thermafuse Main Stage Show at the 2013 Premier Beauty Classic in Columbus Ohio. Premiere Beauty Classic is a North Eastern professional beauty show featuring industry innovations as well as guest artists/speakers from across the country. Average attendance is approximately 7,600 each year.

Yours truly demonstrating an updress for the Thermafuse Main Stage Show at the 2013 Premier Beauty Classic Show in Columbus, Ohio... AND giving Godzilla a run for his money

First, I can’t even begin to express what an upmost privilege it was to share the stage with some of the industry’s finest. I am humbled beyond words. We had all worked our tushies off all year long in preparation for this show and the thought of actually conducting this presentation on the Main Stage didn’t even seem real to me until just about 5 minutes before show time. It finally hit me while I was backstage getting mic’d up by the AV tech… I swear I could hear my own heart pounding so loud as if it were about to jump right out of my chest. I looked around at my fellow Platform Team members and our models wondering if anyone else felt the same way – you know… that overwhelming emotional cocktail of excitement, anticipation and a splash of sheer terror? Yep, that one. An entire year of our hard work was about to be showcased on stage for all to see in a single condensed 50 minute presentation…

It all begins with a wicked electric guitar solo by Jared Stamey as he gets the crowd going, signaling that the show’s about to start. Next, a choreographed runway show featuring twelve of our pre-done models takes the stage. Our models fiercely prowl the catwalk to “Girl on Fire” and let me tell you, these ladies were on FIRE! The models leave the stage and it’s our queue to go up next. First our Creative Director Elan McDowell demonstrates the “Mary” haircut – a retro, Edie Sedgwick-inspired crop. Next, Platform Artist Jessica Baroni goes up to demo the “Tess” haircut – a modern take on Brigitte Bardot’s famed voluptuous coif. Then it’s my turn. I walk up with my model Jocelyn and I recreate “Vintage Glam” – a Gatsby-inspired updressing created with a modern-day twist. As soon as I begin speaking and working with Jocelyn’s hair, my nerves melt away and I am suddenly much more calm and composed than I thought I would be. And I finally begin to feel… like I’m in my own element. As I finish my presentation, our last Platform Artist Abigail Brown comes to the stage and demonstrates a “Lacing” technique for updressing straight hair. We all finish our models and leave the stage to make room for the closing runway walk by all of our completed models. As I exit the stage, all I can feel is another overwhelming rush of emotions – this time of relief, accomplishment and a splash of “OH MY FREAKIN GOD THAT WAS AWESOME!”. We did it. We did it and it was FABULOUS. After the closing model walk, we all head back onto stage for one last “hoo-rah” and a giant hug-fest I’m not going to lie, I had Lady Gaga’s “Applause” playing in my head over and over again for the next few hours. **Perma-grin**

Having the opportunity to represent Thermafuse on the Main Stage at the 2013 Premier Beauty Classic was definitely my career highlight of the year. All that I have learned and experienced through this entire year leading up to this show is something which one could say is at the very least, invaluable. This incredible experience is with me forever and I would like to say that this is just the beginning because I am most certainly not done yet

Always moving forward,

Emily Chen

Follow me on Instagram: @EmChenDesign

P.S. For more professional beauty and wellness tips, please “like” Allora Salon and Spa on Facebook:

OK. I am officially all for this bird-inspired hair trend. The layering of prismatic, intensely-hued “pops” of jewel-toned color within someone’s crowning glory aka “peacocking” is a bit of an obsession for me lately. Especially so after my recent Thermafuse trip to the Premier Orlando Beauty Expo – the largest beauty industry event in the United States. As I found my way through the crowd of 40,000+ beauty industry professionals I couldn’t help but to notice all of the delightfully different interpretations of this colorful trend from makeup to hair. Each as unique as the person adorned. However, as with all things trendy in the hair world, there’s always the good, the bad, and the hair 911. so if you’re going to do it, do it right. Here are 6 useful tips on how to get your peacock on …the right way:

1) See a professional for this one. Seriously. Getting blotchy Kool-Aid stains out of hair is more difficult than one might think.

2) Platinum blondes are perfect candidates for this colorful trend. Jewel tones will be at their boldest when freshly applied, then fade gracefully into pastel colors which also pair well with platinum hair. It’s like having two looks for the price of one

4) If you’re a brunette, most jewel tones will require pre-lightening strands four or more levels for best results. Because the lightening process can be abrasive, I recommend this procedure on virgin hair only… Hair not-so-virgin? See tip No.5

5) If you’re a “brunette” and you haven’t seen your natural color in so long you forgot what it even looks like [points to self (guilty as charged)], then pre-lightening your hair is risky business and can severely compromise the hair’s integrity. Instead, opt for an assortment of colorful human hair extensions. When installed professionally and correctly, extensions can last for months depending on hair type and maintenance. They can be shampooed, cut and heat-styled just like the rest of your hair. Extensions are also a great option for blondes who are looking for a less permanent application of peacock colors.

6) Any redheads out there? Red is a vibrant shade all on its own so choose your peacock colors wisely… In fact, nix the greens and blues all together and be a fiery phoenix instead. Stick to pinks, intense golds, coppers, corals and red-violets. An overabundance of blue accents in red hair might give you that Captain America look… But I mean hey, if that’s what you’re into…

And lastly, I can’t end this post without flaunting my very own newly-peacocked locks:

Via Instagram

Wishing you many fabulous hair days,

Emily Chen

P.S. For more professional beauty and wellness tips, please “like” Allora Salon and Spa on Facebook:

I love Rochester’s Fall for many reasons: Fresh apple cider, crisp cool air, sweaters, boots, hayrides at Power’s Farm Market …just to name a few. But one of my all time favorite things about Fall is the opportunity to refresh, renew and update the crowning glory. Whether it’s a slight tweak, or a dramatic overhaul, a seasonal change in hairstyle keeps us from getting into a drab and dull “style-rut”. Here are my top 5 favorite hair trends for this Fall:

Ashley Olsen's low-lights add depth to her blonde locks and brings out her eyes

5) Dimensional Blondes:

Just because Fall is approaching doesn’t mean that blondes can’t still be blonde. Break up that Summer color and add a little depth with low-lights of rich cocoa and caramels. Soft-golden undertones in low-lights are perfect for enhancing blue or green eyes.

Rihanna's heavy fringe adds drama to her blunt bob.

4) Chic Bobs:

Say goodbye to Summer humidity! The crisp Autumn weather is much kinder to sleek and smooth hairstyles. This is the perfect season to sport a bob or “lob” (long bob) since the dryer weather will make styling and maintaining a breeze.

Kate Bosworth's ballerina bun - clean and simple

Low, messy knot -go formal or casual, it's up to you

3) High Buns, Low Knots:

That’s right, the simple, yet elegant “ballerina bun” is making it’s way through the fashion scene. This hairstyle works well with high collars, scarves and your favorite earrings. Low knots are like the ballerina bun’s fraternal twin sister. This minimalist hairstyle suits both formal or casual looks.

Debra Messing's illustrious flame-hued coif

2) Fiery Reds:

Fall is and always has been the season for redheads. For the bold and outgoing, red is a head-turning hue for all you vixens out there. If you have neutral or pink undertones, try a warm red. On fair skin, try medium tones with golden highlights. Cool ruby and Merlot tones are complimentary to olive skin with blue undertones. Just remember, red hair-color fades faster than most other hues so be sure to maintain it’s vibrancy with color safe shampoo (Try Thermafuse Color Care Sulfate-free, sodium-free, paraben-free and vegan shampoo infused with UVA and UVA light absorbers).

Charlize Theron arrived to the 2012 Golden Globes with this exquisite adornment in her tousled event style.

1) Accessorized Locks!:

Head bands, barrettes and other hair adornments are no longer just for little girls and prom goers. Try a messy knot or bun with one great statement piece such as a sparkly headband, or flower embellishment. Just not both. Please remember, less is more especially when it comes to hair accessories. If you’re going to wear one, allow it to be the star of the show and keep the rest of your attire simple.

Wishing you all many, many fabulous hair days this Fall,

Emily Chen

For more beauty and wellness tips from local professionals, “like” Allora Salon and Spa on Facebook:

Back in May of 2011, I wrote my very first D&C blog post here about the emerging Ombré trend in hair color. Today, March of 2012, this trend is not only still going strong but now the term “Ombré” has snuck it’s way into everything from clothing, to handbags, to manicures, even Easter eggs! “Ombré” is a French term referring to “color that is shaded or graduated in tone”, and has been widely used to describe a booming trend in hair color in recent years. Even more recently, we see this trend infiltrating the rest of the fashion market.

**For a detailed look into Ombré hair, check out my May ’11 blog post in the following link:

http://blogs.democratandchronicle.com/her-community/?p=20

So in honor of this “hair inspired” trend, I present to you: fabulous Ombré inspired …everything!

Trends: They come and go faster than a Kardashian marriage. So how can we ever be sure of which ones are here to stay for the long haul, and which ones will end up in the “one-hit-wonder dump yard” along with beta tapes and banana clips? If you’re the type who loves to rock a trendy, current hairstyle, and stay on top of the latest and greatest at all times, then go for it! So as long as you’re aware that a trend is just that: a trend -as in “not permanent and has an expiration date” (Ex: Mullet haircut in 1986=Hot… a mullet haircut in 2012=…need I say more?). If you’re one who prefers consistency, stick with the timeless classics. They never go out of style!

Here are 4 hair trends that have withstood the test of time and have earned a spot in the “Timeless Classic” category:

Jennifer Aniston debuts her "lob" (long bob)

The Bob: From Dorthy Hamill’s soft classic bob, to Victoria Beckham’s edgy chic bob, and now to Jennifer Aniston’s long bob (Nicknamed “The Lob”), we’ve seen different variations of the good old bob year after year. This versatile hairstyle is flattering on most facial shapes, which may be the reasoning behind it’s everlasting popularity.

Ponytails aren't just for the gym anymore. Glam up with a "polished pony" at your next event!

The Ponytail: Almost every woman, of every age, in every decade has worn a ponytail at least once. Whether it’s high, low, to the side, slicked back, loose and casual, curled, long, short, or straight, you can always count on the ponytail to be your go-to effortless hairstyle.

Ginnifer Goodwin's stunning new crop!

The Cropped (AKA The “Pixie”): Cropped haircuts, when done correctly can look down right FIERCE! These are bold, beautiful, statement cuts and they can be worn a thousand different ways, from Jamie Lee Curtis’s chic and sophisticated crop to Rihanna’s many striking, avant-gard cropped cuts, to Ginnifer Goodwin’s latest cropped coiff from my new favorite Sunday night show: Once Upon a Time. Short cropped haircuts have been in style for decades and I don’t see them going anywhere anytime soon.

Back-combing (AKA “Teasing”) Your Hair: Your mother did it, your grandmother did it, and her mother probably did it too. Back-combing, also known as “teasing” your hair is a way to give our locks body and movement. Back-combing is a technique used to create many looks from the 60′s Beehive, to the 80′s glam rock “BIG Hair”, to the many current styles of 2012 that we see everyday including loose, tousled romantic curls, and the always-elegant chignon.

As always, take care of your hair whether you’re embracing a timeless classic, or rocking an in-the-moment hot trend of the week. Just remember that if you choose to stick with uber-trendy hairstyles as they come and go, make sure it GOES when it’s gone.

Contributors

Click on a blogger to see just their posts.

Traci Adedeji: is a 40-something mother of three adult daughters and wife of local fashion designer, Raul Siro Ferreira. The family moved to Rochester from the New York City area in 2007. Having worked for over 20 years as an insurance professional, Rochester was a change of pace that precipitated a change in career for her. Traci owns Grown & Sexy Things, a lifestyle brand offering relationship enhancement products and producing signature "Grown & Sexy Girls' Night Out" events. She cites her status as "a person who wears clothes" as what makes her uniquely qualified to write about fashion. She offers real fashion and shopping tips for real women presented with her special brand of style and humor. Traci believes that true style comes not just from knowing the difference between fashion and style but also from knowing what works best for you and for your lifestyle.

She is on a mission to inspire and empower women of all ages to improve their health and well-being, upgrade their eating habits and self-care practices, achieve their ideal weight and desired body image, redefine their own health and happiness, and ultimately, create the lives of their dreams.

Laura's approach to health and life coaching is of a holistic nature. Drawing on her education, hands-on expertise and personal experience, she works with clients to help them create a healthier and happier life through better nutrition, balanced lifestyle choices, stress reduction, self-care, as well as adjustments in other areas of life that contribute to the well-being.

Laura comes from the corporate world; her background is in graphic and web design, internet marketing, search engine optimization, and social media marketing.

Laura is a passionate learner and a life-long student. She is continually studying to increase her knowledge of nutrition, holistic health and well-being, human psychology and behavior change, self-improvement, as well as entrepreneurship, modern marketing, and social media influence.

Visit her website at Happy-Healthy-Vibrant.com and take advantage of FREE initial consultation offer – mention you saw it on herRocester.com.

Emily Chen: has always had a passion for the arts, a passion that would land her a growing career in the beauty industry. At an early age she began beauty school and discovered she could utilize artistic talent and creative thinking in a career full of opportunities. Upon completing her cosmetology education, Chen began her work as a salon assistant. She attended numerous advanced workshops, seminars, hair shows, and other educational events and quickly rose to become a Artistic Director at Allora Salon & Spa in Victor. Chen enjoys working with her clients to come up with styles individualized to their needs and complimenting their natural features. In 2008, she became a Thermafuse Educator, and then a National Thermafuse Platform Artist and a member of the Thermafuse Artistic Team. Chen currently works full time as a stylist . When not in the salon, she travels the United States and Canada teaching and inspiring other stylists and promoting her love and passion of the beauty industry. "Whether you've been doing hair for ten months or ten years, there is ALWAYS something new to learn," Chen said.

works hard to live a real life. She’s not saving endangered spider monkeys and has no interest in scrap-booking. She is a self-proclaimed expert of nothing. She religiously watches football, "samples" candy from the bulk food aisle, and gets frustrated at things that don't make sense. She will probably never have a building named after her, but she donates as she can. She’s conscious of her carbon footprint but hasn't made the switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. She thinks the whole world should be in therapy and every day she promises that she’ll start exercising tomorrow. She’s nowhere near where she thought she would be at this point in her life, but she’s a really good person with high standards for herself. She’s kind, thoughtful, and determined to help others often at the detriment to herself. She strongly believes in and practices the Golden Rule and she's doing her best, every day, to make sense of this crazy, chaotic and not-so-bad ride we call life. And you know what? She’s getting there.

Tokeya C. Graham consistently works towards personal growth. She applies the principles of what she calls "Soulstainable Living": reducing her negative karma footprints by recycling positive energy for the benefit of others. She believes that we are we responsible for own happiness and should work hard to achieve it. Tokeya is a word wrangler by day and a dream spinner at night. She currently teaches English at Monroe Community College's Damon City Campus. Since 2005, she has owned and operated T. Cornell Writing Resource which offers comprehensive writing services and workshops. Additionally, she is a popular local public speaker who is requested at many events that focus on helping women and girls become their best selves. A Rochester native, Tokeya continues to live in the city with her husband and their children.

Michelle Inclema is a freelance writer, social media junkie and bride-to-be. When she isn't tweeting or wedding planning, she takes to the stage for community theatre productions. She is a Nazareth College graduate who also volunteers for area nonprofits. She resides in the City's Neighborhood of the Arts, where she enjoys soaking in all the artistic and cultural experiences that her native city has to offer!

Tricia Kuntz: is the owner of The Purple Painted Lady, a custom-painted furniture shop, and has been repurposing furniture and painting murals for over 10 years. She is quick to help others with projects that can transform their house into their home. Visit her shop in Palmyra and you will find her enthusiasm is contagious. She refers to herself as a contemporary woman with heirloom hobbies. Her painting includes a wide range of pieces, from French Country and traditional to whimsical and eclectic, to Shabby Chic. She loves resurrecting old wood furniture, giving a side table new life with paint or taking a forgotten dresser and transforming it into the favorite piece in a home. She is a three-time Homearama participant and an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint certified stockist and trainer.

She has a passion for painting and her family. Tricia lives in a big, old Victorian farmhouse, painted purple and white, in Macedon with her husband Steve and daughter Danni. She is a hometown girl, born and raised in Rochester. While traveling the globe during her mechanical engineer/software consulting days, she always looked forward to returning "home."

Tricia is available to answer any of your questions or concerns, or ease your fear of taking that paint brush to the piece Grandma gave you that is hiding in your basement. So, please email your questions to the "Dear Purple Painted Lady" at takuntz@rochester.rr.com

Joan Lincoln: A mother of three beautiful daughters, Joan hails from the Finger Lakes area. A true Rochesterian for 28 years, Joan has come from in front of the camera lens to behind the scenes and has been painting Upstate N.Y. woman more beautiful for more than a decade. Working for NYC-industry giant Trish McEvoy Cosmetics, Joan has become a sought-after makeup artist in the region over the past 13 years. Her accomplishments have always focused on female-based retail, marketing and event planning careers; however, Joan's real passion for empowering women is defined through her makeup brush and her one-face-at-a-time makeup lesson. With her blog "Beauty Buzz," Joan will provide life-enhancing solutions for readers through her collection of beauty tips and experiences.

Russ Manalastas is the clinical director of Lattimore's Spencerport clinic. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2009 from the University at Buffalo, as well as a bachelor's in exercise science in 2006. He is certified in strength and conditioning through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Russ has a passion for advocating for the physical therapy profession and treating a vast array of sports/orthopedic conditions. As a certified orthopedic manual therapist (COMT), he uses a variety of hands-on techniques in addition to exercise, to allow clients to return to their goals. Russ has particular interests in repetitive, endurance related injuries, and how he can utilize the best available evidence to help clients on the road to recovery. He lives in Rochester with his wife Kathleen, his daughter Lilia, and soon to be baby boy Manalastas coming in August."

Tiffany Mincey: is a 24-year old fitness guru who works part-time at the YMCA of Greater Rochester as a Group Exercise Fitness Instructor. She is certified in cycling, hi-lo aerobics, and step-aerobics. She recently competed in a local fitness competition called the "Rep X Challenge" and placed 2nd after doing more than 1,200 squats in a row.

Tiffany participated in Division I track and field and women’s rowing at the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo). She also competed in the Empire State Games in the 400-meter hurdles.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish (double minor in International Business and Education) from SUNY Buffalo. In 2011 she earned her Masters of Public Administration from Florida International University in Miami. She works full-time in public safety with the City of Rochester.

Wendy Rockcastle: is co-owner of two Rockcastle Florist locations in Rochester and Canandaigua. She has over 20 years of experience as a small business owner and designer. Wendy enjoys teaming up with other professionals as well as mentoring young start-ups and students. She volunteers through the Greece Chamber of Commerce to work with the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA). Her daughter, Mary is study art in New York City. She has been married to her husband/business partner Keith for over 25 years. Wendy and other Rockcastle staff discuss all things floral on their blog Talk about Flowers at RockcastleFlorist.wordpress.com. You can contact her at wjrockcastle@rockcastle.com

Rosa Smith-Montanaro: is your virtual weight loss and wellness coach. She is the author of Mind Over Platter®: Train Your Brain to Think Thin and the award-winning creator of MindOverPlatter.com. Rosa is a certified Success Coach with an expertise in weight management and the mind/body connection. She is also certified at the Master level in Hypnosis, Neuro Linguistics Programming (NLP), Thought Field TherapyTM (TFT), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Herbal Specialist and Humanistic Neuro Linguistic Psychology. Rosa teaches seminars throughout the country on the mind/body connection and how to create a life that is a reflection of your values. Rosa and her husband live in Greece and have three children. She welcomes you to blog with her and discover how you can create a healthier, happier and balanced life. Rosa can be reached at MindOverPlatter@aol.com.

Jen Ulrich: owner of Answers To Organizing, has been a professional organizer in the Rochester area since 2005 and is truly passionate about this work. Her hands-on, supportive approach assists clients in de-cluttering residential and small office spaces. But for Jen, organizing is not just about the "stuff." It's making people feel better about their environments, and ultimately about themselves; she instructs her clients on easy-to-maintain systems and time management skills that yield benefits with finances, relationships, and personal development.

Pauleen Vacca lover of all things lifestyle and local, is an event designer and party planner. Being immersed in the events field for over five years, Vacca has worked with many notable clients and companies, both nationally and abroad, including Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, Gap Inc., Shakira, and Drake. After working in both Rochester and New York CIty, Vacca opened Pauleenanne Design in 2011. With a focus on social gatherings, corporate events, and weddings, Pauleenanne Design services events in the Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Finger Lakes Regions. Vacca is also an avid social media user, with a love for the platform Pinterest, and a self taught graphic designer. When not busy with the business, Vacca enjoys going to her favorite Rochester restaurants, finding artistic inspiration, and jet setting whenever possible.

Robin Harisis has always loved to organize. Even as a child, she made drawer dividers for her dresser and cataloged all her stuffed animals according to species. These activities demonstrate an appreciation for the process of bringing things into order. This has been a calming influence throughout her life.

After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Messiah College, Robin worked in a variety of fields. She was the coordinator for a youth job training program, a manager in a production lab, and a salesperson for a veterinary supply distributor. Her natural organizing and people skills were honed through these endeavors. They are now the main focus in her current venture. She is the founder of Room Service Personal Organizing, LLC and a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Robin finds fulfillment in motivating and teaching others to find their organizational "happy place."

Robin lives in Ontario, New York with her husband, two kids, and one well-mannered dog. She enjoys the outdoors, sports, reading, home decorating, and of course, organizing.